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"That’s what I’ve dreamed of since I was a little kid,” Harrison said, reflecting on her 2012 experience. “That has been my whole life, but to go and win and be the first to ever do it? Like, is this my life?"

Harrison said the experience was hard to put into words. Representing her country is a huge honor.

"I don't know if you can put it into words,” she said. “To represent the United States of America and to be one of the best in what you do is such an honor."

Elite athletes know the art of sacrifice well, and Harrison said it’s all worth it.

"I’m trying to enjoy this journey, because it might be my last Olympics,” Harrison said. “These are the best days of my life. Even the bad days, even the bad practices, even the days I want to quit. It’s all a part of the journey, and I’m trying to really enjoy that."

With a second medal within reach, Harrison said she knows there will be a massive target on her back.

"It’s a lot harder to stay on top than to get to the top,” she said. “But for me, I thrive in that pressure. I like that."

Harrison said she’s betting on herself for an equally successful in 2016.

"That's my job," she said confidently.

What’s next for Harrison? She said she may follow in Rhonda Rousey’s footsteps, turning to the lucrative world of MMA fighting when her Olympic journey comes to a close.